37 Ocean Road

Palm Beach NSW 2108

Built c1920, Kalua was one of the first properties constructed in Palm Beach, guaranteeing its historical significance. The main residence was built and held for some 60 years by the distinguished Hordern family and was purchased by current owners the Joye family in 1978. Folklore has it that the Hordern family sent their architect by sea to Oahu, Hawaii, to copy ''stick by stick and stone by stone'' the impressive Dillingham plantation residence. Hence it was named Kalua, which means 'double' in Hawaiian. At the time of construction there were no roads into Palm Beach so all materials, including soil, had to be barged in from Newport. The original sandstone steps still take you up from the beach to the house.
Reminiscent of a bygone era and retaining all of its classic appeal, the elegantly relaxed 1920s plantation-style home is a sprawling, flexible family residence framed by wide entertaining verandas. It encompasses six generous bedrooms, five with en suites, including privately accessible helpers' quarters accommodating 1-2 staff. The entire upper level is devoted to the master retreat, encompassing his and hers dressing rooms, a marble en suite, an entertainment cabinet, a private outdoor shower terrace and a second large terrace with premier views. Multiple entertaining spaces include a grand lounge room, a generous atrium-style dining room, a family room and a charming gas kitchen featuring solid timber cabinetry, Carrara marble bench tops, commercial ovens and sitting area with a gas fireplace. The gracious residence is enhanced by touches such as jarrah, tallowood and kauri floors and a wood-burning fireplace in the lounge room.
A second completely private residence has been designed specifically to accommodate an on-site caretaker's family. It is also perfect for guests or extended family members. Constructed from Australian hardwoods, the two-storey building has private access through the adjacent parkland down to the beach. It contains three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a black granite kitchen. Enhanced by cathedral glass ceilings, park views and wide recycled blackbutt floorboards, its living space is warmed by a gas fire. To facilitate maintenance work, there is a large dedicated workshop, a second utility room and a washroom for tradespeople.
A self-contained beach cabana is located down by the property's beachfront entrance, enjoying level access across to the water. Set up as a bunkhouse to accommodate multiple beds, it provides a wonderful teenager's retreat or recreation area, complete with its own kitchen and bathroom. New planning laws make it highly unlikely that new properties would be able to build anything of this nature in a position so close to the beachfront, making it a prized asset of the estate.
Kalua's meandering, idyllic grounds are nothing short of breathtaking. They provide a secluded oasis in which you can entertain your guests or relax in total privacy, complete with sprawling front and rear lawns, towering trees and a variety of alfresco living spaces. Set adjacent to the house, a gas-heated pool is framed by a large timber deck soaking up the northerly sun. Original sandstone steps take you down to the north-south tennis court - the only championship sized court in the Palm Beach area. The property is dotted with a multitude of significant flora, including angophoras, cabbage tree palms and Washington palms. Additional amenities include a Jacuzzi, a children's playhouse, a swing set, an outdoor beach shower and four-car covered security parking with plenty of room for additional vehicles.
An exclusive coastal haven renowned for its picturesque beach and clear turquoise water, Palm Beach is considered a playground for the rich and famous yet exudes a quintessentially laid back holiday ambience. It provides a wonderful retreat from city life within easy commuting distance of the CBD, which is less than an hour's drive away. The Eastern Suburbs are also accessible by a 10 minute seaplane journey. Bordered by the ocean to the east and the calm waters of Pittwater to the west, Palm Beach offers an endless array of recreational pursuits. Stroll around to the Palm Beach Golf Club, take a walk up to the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, cast a line out or take a short ferry ride across to Mackerel Beach. Or you might simply prefer to indulge in a leisurely lunch and magical views at favoure